The companies report that applications to the FDA and EMEA are expected to be filed during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. The drug (formerly known as Albuferon) will be called Zalbin in the U.S. and Joulferon® in the rest of the world subject to health authority approval. The drug is a genetic fusion of human albumin and interferon alfa, generated using HGS’ albumin-fusion technology.

HGS and Novartis signed their co-development and commercialization agreement for albinterferon alfa-2b in 2006. The overall agreement could be worth up to $507.5 million to HGS in terms of development, regulatory, and commercial milestones. The companies will co-commercialize Zalbin in the U.S. and are sharing clinical development/commercialization costs and profits in the U.S. equally.

Novartis is commercializing Joulferon in the rest of the world and will pay HGS sales royalties. Bulk manufacture of albinterferon alfa-2B will be undertaken by HGS, while Novartis retains responsibility for commercial manufacture, fill, and finish.

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